This week, shoppers have been seeing a high police presence in Newcastle City Centre , especially at key sites, such as train stations, transport hubs and other crowded places.

Northumbria Police has increased security in an effort to protect and reassure the public.

Armed Police Officers before a minutes silence in Newcastle City Centre for the victims of the Manchester Bombing (Image: Newcastle Chronicle)

The force has confirmed their list of equipment includes:

• a Sig MCX carbine (rifle)

• Glock 17 handgun

• Taser

• expandable baton

• CS spray

• handcuffs

• communications kit

• body armour

• life-saving medical equipment

The end of innocence: an armed police officer chats to a little girl at the Monument in Newcastle days after the Manchester atrocity (Image: newcastle chronicle)

Chief Constable Steve Ashman said: “The number of officers on duty, both armed and unarmed has been increased significantly to provide a highly visible, reassuring presence. This will remain in place for as long as is necessary.

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“In some parts of the country the military will be deployed to provide visible protective security patrols, however there are NO plans at this stage for the military to be deployed in the Northumbria area.

“There will however, be an increase in the numbers of armed police officers on patrol.”

We now have further details about what exactly the armed officers are carrying

Members of the public are reminded that anyone who sees anything which causes concern should call the anti-terror hotline immediately on 0800 789 321, or dial 999 in an emergency.